It is a new year and getting out of debt is always among the most popular New Year’s Resolutions. The problem with resolutions, though is too often they’re just dreams, with no action to back them up. No more? If your New Year’s resolution this year is to get out of debt and improve your financial situation, help is hear!
Let’s begin with some basic saving strategies that you can do around your home to save money. The following paragraph is chock-full of ideas that will help you do just that!
Weatherproof your home to save electricity. Line dry your clothes (not right now—but in the spring) It will lengthen the life of your clothing and save energy. Wash your laundry in cold water. Stop using phantom power by unplugging your electronics at night. Using power strips makes this easier. Get rid of cable TV or \switch to basic cable. Or use Netflix and Hulu in place of cable. Netflix is less expensive than cable, and between that and Hulu (which is free), you have a wide variety of TV shows available to watch. If you don’t want to get rid of cable, see if you can bundle it with your phone and internet service to save money. Get rid of the internet and use the library. Get rid of your landline, if you have a cell phone. Or ge rid of your cell phone. Or use a prepaid cell phone, instead of an expensive phone with an expensive contract. Set your thermostat lower in winter and higher in the summer. Use a programmable thermostat, so you never forget to adjust the temperature. Catch rainwater for watering your garden, Use pasta water for watering household plants. Turn off your water when you’re brushing your teeth, shampooing, or shaving. Recycle You’ll save on your trash bill. Compost. You save on your trash bill and help your garden. Haul your own trash to the dump, if you have a pickup truck or trailer. Try to do repairs yourself before hiring someone. Use free resources at Home Depot, Lowe’s and on the internet to help you. Challenge your property tax assessment, if you feel it’s too high.
